Category: News

A prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mazi Moses Idika, who also serves as a factional National Ex-Officio member, has refuted growing demands for Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii to relinquish his 2027 governorship ambition in Ebonyi State based on zoning arguments. Idika asserted that Odii, a well-known businessman and philanthropist, remains a viable contender for the position.

Idika pointed out that Ebonyi State has never adhered to strict zoning rules for the governorship seat. Since 1999, candidates from all three senatorial districts—Ebonyi North, Central, and South—have regularly contested elections, making any insistence on zoning both baseless and unconstitutional. He emphasized that no legal statute bars any qualified individual from vying for the office, and that the electorate should have the final say through their votes.

Rather than engaging in what he termed an “imaginary zoning system,” Idika urged supporters of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s potential re-election to highlight tangible achievements under the current administration. He criticized the state government for failing to tackle key developmental issues, while expressing confidence that Odii would present a compelling alternative focused on investment, industrial growth, and economic revitalization.

Idika described Odii as a patriotic leader genuinely committed to enhancing the welfare of Ebonyi citizens and unlocking greater economic prospects for the state. He concluded with a firm declaration: “Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii will contest, he will win, and Ebonyi people will be happy again.” This statement comes amid heightened political maneuvering and alliances in Ebonyi as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has kicked off a fresh push for the Nasarawa North Senatorial by-election as former House of Representatives member David Ombugadu officially entered the race. The campaign launch took place in Akwanga on Saturday, drawing party leaders and grassroots supporters eager to back his bid.

Ombugadu, a seasoned politician, framed his candidacy as a collective effort to enhance representation and foster unity across the senatorial district. Speaking to a crowd of party faithful, he vowed to leverage his past legislative experience to deliver impactful governance if elected to the Senate.

The PDP stalwart emphasized that the by-election is more than a personal ambition—it is a chance to amplify the voices of Nasarawa North residents in national discourse. He called on supporters to rally together and work tirelessly in the lead-up to the June 20 poll.

“Our mission is simple: to provide quality leadership, promote harmony, and prioritize the well-being of every constituent,” Ombugadu stated. He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure a decisive victory through grassroots mobilization.

With the election date approaching, political parties across the district are ramping up their campaigns. Ombugadu’s team is focusing on building momentum among local communities, stressing the need for voter turnout and solidarity behind the PDP ticket.

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a strong warning to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserting that they will struggle to secure even 10% of the votes in Rivers State during the 2027 elections. Speaking at a luncheon honoring candidates from the Rainbow Coalition, Wike emphasized that no party other than the coalition would emerge victorious in the state’s governorship race.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, criticized the ADC and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stating that these parties lack electoral experience. ‘ADC and NDC have never contested an election before. They know nothing about elections, only about defecting. Now they will learn what a real election looks like, starting from Rivers State,’ he declared.

He further mocked the opposition’s approach, noting that it is insufficient to appear on television professing love for the president. ‘You must demonstrate commitment through votes that can win elections, not by visiting him in Lagos,’ Wike remarked. He recalled that Atiku failed to secure 10% of the vote in Rivers in 2023 and predicted an even worse outcome for him in 2027. ‘If he manages 10%, it would be an improvement, but we will ensure the ADC does not reach that mark here,’ Wike vowed.

Wike contrasted the opposition’s perceived laziness with his coalition’s work ethic, stating, ‘A man who avoids work but shows up when food is ready has no place in this state. Hard work is essential.’ He concluded by asserting his coalition’s track record of winning under pressure, adding that without intimidation, their success is guaranteed.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has declared a power outage affecting five states in Northern Nigeria and parts of the Niger Republic. This development was made known via a statement released on Saturday by the company’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah.

The blackout is attributed to scheduled maintenance on the Mando–Kumbotso 330kV Transmission Line, which is set to take place on Sunday, 31st May 2026. According to TCN, the maintenance is essential to repair a damaged Red Phase Conductor on Tower T187 along the line route.

As a result, the Kano Electricity Distribution Company will be unable to supply electricity to customers in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, and parts of the Niger Republic. The statement further noted that customers in Gazaoua, Niger Republic, will also be impacted.

While TCN indicated that the maintenance work is expected to run from 9am to 4pm, the agency did not specify a precise timeline for when power supply would be fully restored to the affected regions.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has firmly dismissed rumors of a strained relationship with his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel. Speaking during his third-year anniversary media briefing at the Government House banquet hall in Uyo, Eno asserted that he would never join others in speaking ill of Emmanuel.

Reflecting on his political journey, Eno recalled that Emmanuel personally selected him and ensured his victory in the 2023 elections against all odds. He admitted that politics was not his original career path, but Emmanuel placed him on that course.

“I will not join you people to say anything about past leaders in the State. Maybe I’m not a good politician, but there are certain things I can’t do. In my next world, I will like to be a politician so that I will be able to be telling you lies,” Eno stated, emphasizing his commitment to truthfulness.

On the state of projects, Eno warned that non-performing contracts would be terminated to prevent waste of funds. He highlighted ongoing strategic road projects, including the dualisation of Ring Road III and reconstruction of Ikot Akpaden–Iko Road with bridges.

Regarding potholes in Uyo metropolis, the governor announced plans to establish a monitoring committee comprising journalists and civil society organizations to track potholes in their vicinity.

Addressing concerns about poor electricity supply, Eno appealed to residents for patience, explaining that the government is following fundamental and implementation frameworks to ensure stable power in the state.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed to significantly boost Nigeria’s electricity output, aiming to reach 10,000 megawatts within his first four years in office. Speaking during his official declaration as the party’s standard-bearer for the upcoming general elections, Obi emphasized that he would not resort to excuses for failing to deliver on this critical promise.

He described the current state of power generation as unacceptable, noting that a nation of over 200 million people cannot rely on roughly 4,000 megawatts of electricity while millions remain without consistent access. Obi pointed to countries like South Africa and Egypt, which, despite their smaller populations, generate more than 40,000 megawatts each—over ten times Nigeria’s current capacity.

“This is a problem we have thoroughly analyzed,” Obi stated. “Give us four years, and we will resolve Nigeria’s electricity challenge. We will increase power supply to 10,000 megawatts. It is disgraceful that we produce less than a tenth of what other nations achieve. That has to change.”

His remarks come amid widespread public frustration over frequent blackouts and inadequate power infrastructure across the country.

In a powerful address delivered on Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day, former U.S. mayor Mike Arnold asserted that the pursuit of self-determination by any ethnic group in Nigeria should never be criminalized. Speaking from Blanco, Texas, via Biafra Radio, Arnold released what he termed the ‘Sokoto Declaration: Principles for the Deliverance of the People,’ a 15-point manifesto urging unity and liberation.

Arnold, who leads the Africa Arise organizations, emphasized that the right to choose one’s own political future is fundamental. He specifically mentioned that self-determination is not a crime for Biafrans, the Yoruba, the Middle Belt, or minorities in the North. He argued that no people should be forced into allegiance against their will.

Referencing the imprisonment of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, Arnold declared that speaking the truth is not an act of terrorism. He further stated that external rescue is unlikely; power, he said, is never granted but must be seized through collective action.

The declaration included a series of bold statements: every individual has the God-given right to life, liberty, and a self-determined future. Arnold called for the return of exiles and condemned any regime that loses legitimacy by oppressing its people. He argued that unity must be achieved through coordinated, disciplined resistance that includes peaceful protests, electoral participation, and legal challenges.

Arnold also stressed that the wealth of the land belongs to its people, and any extraction under violent circumstances is theft. He warned against internal divisions, stating that factions only serve the interests of oppression. The declaration concluded with a call for an internationally supervised referendum to draft a new constitution and achieve true self-determination.

Invoking a powerful metaphor, Arnold likened the struggle to the biblical exodus, hoping that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would grant wisdom and courage to deliver the people once again. He ended with the assertion that the long night of oppression is ending, encouraging all to stand together.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully intercepted illicit drug shipments cleverly concealed inside water purifier machines imported from the Netherlands to Lagos. The seizure took place at a courier facility in Lagos on May 26, according to a statement by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

The smuggled items included three kilograms of ketamine and 199 grams of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, all carefully packed within the water purifiers. This foiled attempt underscores the evolving tactics of drug traffickers attempting to evade detection.

In a separate operation in Kaduna State, NDLEA officers raided a residence in the Gonin Gora area on May 24, arresting a couple, Musa and Mercy Sunday, along with another suspect, Salomi Ezekiel. The raid led to the recovery of 1,246 kilograms of skunk, packed in 100 jumbo bags.

On the same day, a patrol along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway in Jere resulted in the apprehension of Sunusi Musa, a 30-year-old man allegedly transporting 380 rounds of 7.62mm military-grade ammunition destined for Katsina State. The suspect and ammunition were handed over to relevant security authorities for further investigation.

In Niger State, acting on intelligence, operatives stormed a warehouse in Gidan Kukah, Bosso Local Government Area, on May 27, confiscating 457 kilograms of skunk. The suspect, Godwin Zakka, aged 46, was later arrested at his home in the Gbeganu area of Minna in connection with the seizure.

Meanwhile, in Enugu State, NDLEA operatives patrolling the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway on May 28 intercepted a commercial vehicle heading to Taraba State. A search yielded 22,000 tramadol pills, 100 ampoules of pentazocine, and 200 grams of bromazepam. The suspect, James Maigari Wisdom, was arrested at the scene.

The NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaign, conducting awareness programs in various schools and communities, including Government Secondary School in Adiabo, Cross River State; St Patrick’s Memorial College in Wukari, Taraba State; Roman Catholic Mission Nursery and Primary School in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos; and Kings Secondary School in Amawbia, Anambra State.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), praised the officers involved in the operations across Kaduna, Niger, and Enugu states, as well as the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, for their successful arrests and seizures. He urged all operatives to maintain their efforts in reducing drug supply while continuing public education on the dangers of drug abuse.

During a gathering with traditional leaders in Ekiti State, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, conveyed a powerful message of national strength and unity. She emphasized that the nation’s spirit remains unbroken despite persistent security threats.

Addressing the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Council at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, Mrs. Tinubu asserted that no amount of insurgency can undermine Nigeria’s collective resolve. She voiced strong confidence that the current security obstacles will be surmounted in due course.

The First Lady highlighted the President’s unwavering dedication to tackling insecurity nationwide, noting his relentless efforts to establish lasting peace. She also acknowledged the valuable support from international allies in combating these challenges and expressed optimism about significant improvements in the near future.

“Nigerians are far too great to be cowed by insurgents. Let us maintain hope and continue offering prayers for our nation,” she stated. “God will not forsake this country in its journey to overcome its difficulties.”

After the official conclusion of Hajj on Saturday, Kaduna State pilgrims have been encouraged to maintain their spiritual focus and continue offering prayers to fully benefit from their time in Makkah. Sheikh Haliru Maraya, a member of the Special Hajj Committee, delivered this advice following the Zuhur prayer at the pilgrims’ residence on Ibrahim Khalil Street.

In a statement released on Sunday by Malam Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, it was noted that approximately 1.7 million pilgrims from across the globe took part in the 2026 Hajj. The statement clarified that Hajj begins on the 8th and ends on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, which this year fell between May 25 and May 30.

Sheikh Maraya emphasized that acts of worship performed in Makkah carry multiplied rewards, with each good deed being rewarded 100,000 times by Allah. He warned pilgrims to avoid sinful behavior, noting that even contemplating a sin is recorded as if it were committed.

The cleric also urged pilgrims not to rush their departure, cautioning that such impatience is often instigated by Shaytan. Instead, he advised them to engage in voluntary prayers, recite the Quran, and make various supplications to maximize the spiritual benefits of their stay.

Furthermore, Sheikh Maraya called on pilgrims to pray for Nigeria and its leaders, particularly for an end to the security challenges facing the country. He commended Governor Uba Sani for ensuring smooth logistics and empowering the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, which contributed to a successful Hajj exercise.